Economic report shows income inequality in BC still worst in Canada: NDP

A recent report by TD Economics on income inequality shows 11 years of B.C. Liberal government has made life far less affordable for British Columbians, say the New Democrats.

“This report is just one of many which confirm that life for a huge number of British Columbians – including children and families, students and seniors – is simply becoming less and less affordable under the B.C. Liberals,” said New Democrat social development critic Carole James.

“When our province is repeatedly found to have the highest level of income inequality in all of Canada and almost 700,000 British Columbians live in poverty, it’s hard to believe the empty rhetoric coming from the Liberals on the effectiveness of their so-called jobs plan.”

The report released Tuesday states that British Columbia continues to have the highest level of income inequality in Canada and James adds that the overall number of people living in poverty in B.C. is also the highest of all the provinces and territories.

Currently, the top 20 per cent of income earners in B.C. hold 44.8 per cent of after-tax income – the most of any jurisdiction in Canada – while the bottom 20 per cent hold the smallest share in the country at just 4.5 per cent.

“The Liberals’ failed economic and social policies have hurt low and middle-income families from the very beginning,” said James. “British Columbians have been continually hit with higher fees, fares and hidden taxes like hydro, MSP premiums and ferry fares.

“The cycle of poverty and the roadblocks to economic prosperity need to be addressed and all the Liberals are offering is self-promoting ads. It’s clear the Liberals just aren’t up to the challenge.”

Adrian Dix and the New Democrats believe B.C. children and families deserve better. A New Democrat government would strengthen the economy and grow the middle-class by investing in skills training and education and implementing a poverty reduction plan.